Although the harvest this season was low, he managed to organize the processing of the fruits, which brought in a decent income.
Previously, Aitkulov dried and sold up to 10 tons of plums, but this year he gathered only about a ton and decided to dry it as well.
“Earlier, we sold 5-6 tons, and sometimes up to 10 tons of plums, earning about 100–120 soms per kilogram. This year, I decided to develop a project and was able to purchase quality equipment. We carefully wash the plums, dry them, and package them in vacuum packs. Products that used to cost around 100 soms are now sold for up to 500 soms. Even 200 grams can be sold for 100 soms. I took my products to various fairs, and everything was sold out. We, farmers, need to engage in processing and sales ourselves because we work hard, but the profit goes to others. Our products are sent to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where they are processed and branded. I am confident that soon we will also have the opportunity to enter the international market with our processed products,” he noted.
Absamat cuts and dries plums to create a product suitable for baby food. Additionally, he produces two types of cookies made from a mixture of dried fruits.
In addition to plums, his range includes dried apples and rose hips.
“I decided to try making apple chips from 300 kilograms of apples. At a three-day fair in Bishkek, they were in high demand and sold out. This is a natural and healthy product. We also finely chop apples and add them to tea. We have regular customers now. I started drying all the fruits and vegetables that grow in my garden, including tomatoes and eggplants. Even barberries and rose hips, which usually remain unpicked in the forest, I also dry and sell at fairs. The main thing is to keep moving forward, and the rest depends on fate,” added Absamat Aitkulov.
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